Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination cut short my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling died recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."